Charlotte Foster
The Bernese Mountain Dog is the right companion for you if you want a breed with a more leisurely temperament. The original breed name Dürrbächler, after a village in the canton of Bern, has not caught on. Would the Bernese Mountain Dog have made the same career under this name as it looks back on today?
From farm to scene
In rural Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog was widespread. There he guarded flocks, house, and yard; but its power was also used as a draft dog in front of milk carts. The breed has been systematically bred since 1892. In 1910, the Bernese Mountain Dog came to Germany and aroused the interest of dog lovers at a dog show in Burgdorf, Lower Saxony.
Nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The character of the Bernese Mountain Dog radiates comfort, which is also reflected in its good-natured nature. Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally considered to be affectionate, but they can also be quite bitchy sometimes. The breed is not recommended as a family dog that grows up with children. In any case, don’t skimp on stroking the fluffy giant, and don’t leave him alone for long. However, the Bernese Mountain Dog can also be stubborn and surprise people with their own ideas. On the other hand, the character of a well-trained Bernese Mountain Dog is characterized by anticipatory obedience: the animal thinks for itself and instinctively makes the right decisions. Your life alongside a Bernese Mountain Dog will certainly not be boring.
Training and keeping the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is not a lively sports aces but likes to exercise and needs a lot of exercise. Long walks are more his thing than tireless romping. It is ideal as a companion for long hikes, but not as a sporty jogging or cycling partner. His hunting instinct is only moderately developed, agility sport is not for him. But as soon as he sees snow, the Bernese Mountain Dog is unstoppable: he loves to romp around in winter.
He also knows exactly what he wants. When he doesn’t feel like it, he puts his lop ears on draft and shows himself to be a joker with a penchant for nonsense. When training the Bernese Mountain Dog, you have to show consistency, empathy, and patience, even if the gentle giant acts as a charming slob. Your living situation is important for keeping a Bernese Mountain Dog: The large dog needs a lot of space. A home with access to the garden is ideal.
Grooming of the Bernese Mountain Dog
When it’s cold he feels good, when it’s hot his coat makes him dizzy. To keep the Bernese Mountain Dog’s coat in order, you should brush it out at least every two days. Daily grooming is recommended during the change of coat. The Bernese Mountain Dog only needs a bath in exceptional cases. Pay attention to the composition of the food, especially for young dogs: As with other large dog breeds, the food should not be too rich in protein, as this can promote diseases during growth. Because of its size, the Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Stomach torsion, kidney failure, and an increased risk of cancer (histiocytosis, lymphosarcoma) are other diseases typical of the breed.